The use of a mere dozen nuclear weapons ... would be a human catastrophe without parallel. ... Because so few weapons can kill so many people, even far-reaching disarmament proposals would leave us implicated in plans for unprecedented slaughter of innocent people. The sole measure that can free us from this burden is abolition.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the catastrophic potential of nuclear weapons and the necessity for their abolition to prevent mass destruction.
Jonathan Schell's quote highlights the devastating impact that a limited number of nuclear weapons can have on humanity, describing their potential to cause unparalleled human suffering. He argues that proposals for disarmament, while well-intentioned, still leave the world at risk of unimaginable violence. The only true path to eliminate this risk is the complete abolition of nuclear weapons, which would liberate humanity from the fear and moral burden of such destructive capabilities.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech at a peace rally to highlight the dangers of nuclear warfare.
[A] new generation, innocent of the divisions of the Cold War, this coming-of-age. ... If its members do not feel the urgency to escape the nuclear danger that some of its parents felt, neither has it developed the deep attachment to nuclear arms also often found among their parents, including most of the governing class. ... The call for abolition should therefore be, among other things, a call from an older generation to younger one.
Americans, it seems to me, tend to protect their children from the harshness of life, in their interest.
Oh, earth, you're too wonderful for anybody to realize you. Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it -- every, every minute?
Meaning equals emotion and emotion equals life. Choose consciously and wisely.
In all the co-temporary discussions and comments, which the Constitution underwent, it was constantly justified and recommended on the ground, that the powers not given to the government, were withheld from it.
If you are leaving that sorrowful place with hate and anger against men, you are worthy of compassion; if you leave it with good will, gentleness and peace, you are better than any of us.
Others go to bed with their mistresses; I with my ideas.
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